Are you ready for a roof replacement? Are you trying to find the best roofing material for your new roof? Are you stressed about picking the right one? Worried you’ll have regrets?
If so, I understand it can be a time consuming and stressful undertaking to do all that research. The last thing you want is to make the wrong decision about such an important purchase.
To help relieve that stress, we’re going to help you out.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality roofing services to the residents of Nashville and surrounding areas since 1990. Whether you need roof repairs, a replacement, or even a skylight, you can count on us. And if you do decide to work with us, we’re proud to provide you with a lifetime warranty.
Because we put such a focus on educating and advising you, we’re going to break down how to find the best roofing material for your replacement. And at the end of this article, you’ll be given the opportunity to take our free quiz to ensure you make the right decision.
What is the best roofing material for you?
So, you’re trying to figure out the best roofing material for your roof replacement. The truth is, as long as your roof is properly installed, all the roof types are great options.
They all serve the same purpose, protecting you and your family. That’s why you shouldn’t try to find the “best” roofing material. You need to find the right type of roof for you and your situation.
But how do you do that? It all comes down to thinking about what you’re looking for in a new roof.
4 things to consider when deciding on the best roof for you
When deciding on the right type of roof for you, you need to consider key factors. Factors like the look you want, your budget, and more help you narrow down the options to fit your exact needs.
For this article, we’ll only be covering the 3 most common types of residential roofs: asphalt shingle roof, standing seam metal roof, and a cedar shake roof.
(Asphalt shingle roof)
(Cedar shake roof)
There are other roofing material options for your replacement, but these are the 3 we see the most often.
1. The look you want
You may not think about this until meeting with your local roofing contractor, but you need to consider the look you want your roof to have.
While 3-tab and dimensional asphalt shingle roofs are the most commonly seen around the country, they don’t give you a look that stands out in your neighborhood. If your roof’s look isn’t important, I would recommend going with either of these asphalt shingle roofs.
However, if you really want your roof to stand out, you should consider a luxury asphalt shingle, a standing seam metal roof, or a beautiful cedar shake roof.
The 3 common types all make good looking roofs. You just need to decide how important the look of your new roof is to you.
2. Your roof replacement budget
A new roof is always going to be an investment. When investing in anything, especially a roof, you need to consider your budget.
If you’re looking for the most affordable option or have a tight budget, an asphalt shingle roof might be right for you. But if budget isn’t a major deciding factor, a standing seam metal roof or a cedar shake roof is a great option.
No matter what your budget is, you need to invest in quality to get the most out of your roof replacement. To learn why this is important, read this article on 3 ways a cheap roofing system costs more in the long run.
3. The lifespan of your new roof
The lifespan of your roof is how many years you get out of it. When investing in an important purchase like a roof, you’d expect to get as much life as possible.
That’s why you need to consider the lifespan of the type of roof you’re choosing for your replacement. The 3 types of asphalt shingles have a lifespan range of around 25-30 years, depending on which one you choose.
A cedar shake roof’s lifespan is also 30 years, but you could possibly get up to 50 years if you invest in quality materials and live in an area with the right conditions. But if you’re looking for one of the longest-lasting roofs on the market, a standing seam metal roof is the way to go with a lifespan of around 50 years.
To learn more about the lifespan of your new roof, read this article on how long your new roof will last.
4. How important a material warranty is to you
You’ll have 2 warranty options for your roof replacement: one on your roofing contractor’s workmanship and one on your roofing materials.
The material warranty is crucial to protect your roof investment if there’s ever a problem with the roofing materials themselves. That’s why you need to consider how important a material warranty is to you.
For example, all the asphalt shingles come out of the package with a warranty from the manufacturer. On the other hand, a standing seam metal roof comes with a 30-year paint warranty on the Kynar 500 painted finish that protects the roof from the elements.
The only roof that doesn’t come with a material warranty is a cedar shake roof because the cedar shakes are naturally made. But if you’re looking for the best warranty available, I would recommend going for the upgraded 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty that comes with a dimensional or luxury asphalt shingle roof.
To get the enhanced warranty, all of your asphalt roofing components (including your asphalt shingles) have to come from one specific manufacturer to form a complete roof system. If a warranty on the roofing materials is important to you, consider an asphalt shingle roof or a standing seam metal roof.
Ready to find the right roof for you?
Now you know the 4 main things to consider when deciding on your new roof. Remember, you need to find the right type of roof for you and your situation.
After reading this, are you ready to find the right roof for your replacement? If so, you can read some of our comparison articles:
- Asphalt vs. Metal: Which Roof is Right for You?
- Asphalt Shingle Roof vs. Cedar Shake Roof: Which is Right for You?
- Standing Seam Metal Roof vs. Cedar Shake Roof (Cost, Lifespan, & More)
But if you want an easier and less time-consuming way to figure out the right roof for you, take our free quiz.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped the residents of Nashville find the perfect roof for them since 1990. We strive to give you an experience rare in the roofing industry that’s based on education, customer service, and high-quality workmanship. If you're local to Nashville, don't hesitate to contact us to get the beautiful you deserve.
To help you find the right roof for you, take our Free Which Roofing Material is Right for Your Roof Replacement Quiz.
